Plant Problems and Diseases

You wake up happy, grab a steaming cup of optimism and hope and head out to the garden. Sun is shining, birds are chirping but all is not right with the world today. You are confronted with sickly, yellowing, wilting plants begging for your help. What happened? Was it watering? Soil issues? A bug infestation? Or some other evil culprit threatening the health of your otherwise lovely garden?

Plant diseases and disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Some are a nuisance and some can be devastating. Some are seasonal and live in the soil while others can be genetic or introduced from pests or pollinators. Having some way to assess and identify the problem is your best bet to fighting it early and possibly saving your plants. One of our favorite resources for garden related information is the Rodale Institute and their publication (and website) Rodale’s Organic Life. They offer a great list and description of plant disorders including Blight, Cancers, Rusts and Rot.

The University of Minnesota’s Extension office has a great troubleshooting website that helps you identify your problem by answering a set of questions about what you’re experiencing to narrow down and identify the issue. It’s a great system for chasing down a problem you have no prior experience with. Simply choose what type of plant is effected, what variety then what part of the plant and the website runs you through a set of images to help identify the problem then offers advice for treating it.

About Dave Creech

I am a Husband, Foodie and Entrepreneur striving to live healthier and happier through better food and outdoor living. I started my Urban Garden in early 2013 in an effort to grow as much of my own food as possible. I am continually learning to live more simply, waste less, be more efficient and generally build a better skill set.

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Tim Miner, Co-Founder

Tim is Modern Steader's Lab Strategist, working tirelessly to bring future Edible Learning Labs to life. Under his direct leadership, the flagship Lab in Buffalo, WY has given more than 400 students the opportunity to explore the soil to table process.

At home, he is a passionate locavore, and doting husband and father, living in the Bighorns of northern Wyoming.

Dave Creech, Co-Founder

Dave is a husband, foodie and entrepreneur striving to live healthier and happier through better food and outdoor living. He started his urban garden in early 2013 in an effort to grow as much of his own food as possible. Dave is continually learning to live more simply, waste less, be more efficient and generally build a better skill set.